A Week in Tokyo 31
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165)
Mon 2008/12/29 14:08
The last A Week in Tokyo installment for 2008. This series started over a year ago back in November 2007 with the aim of sharing my life with you in Tokyo. There are other articles in the category like A Week in Shanghai and A Week in Los Angeles but thats because I'm personally using this category to keep track of my life too ^^;
Am a bit late this week so some of these photos are more than a week old. Starting off with some trooping shenanigans at a Samsung festive booth in Shibuya.
The Japanese typically associate Japanese brands with high quality but being expensive. They also associate foreign brands such as Samsung, Acer etc as being of "reasonable quality" and low price. What seems to be happening of late is that many Japanese are caring less about going for Japanese brands and rather pay less for reasonable quality - which is obviously worrying the big Japanese brands.
Analysts say that Japanese electronic brands must lower their prices or they wont be able to compete with the "invasion" of the foreign brands.
How do you feel about this? Are you a "Japanese brands are the best and the rest is average" type of a person?
Am a bit late this week so some of these photos are more than a week old. Starting off with some trooping shenanigans at a Samsung festive booth in Shibuya.
The Japanese typically associate Japanese brands with high quality but being expensive. They also associate foreign brands such as Samsung, Acer etc as being of "reasonable quality" and low price. What seems to be happening of late is that many Japanese are caring less about going for Japanese brands and rather pay less for reasonable quality - which is obviously worrying the big Japanese brands.
Analysts say that Japanese electronic brands must lower their prices or they wont be able to compete with the "invasion" of the foreign brands.
How do you feel about this? Are you a "Japanese brands are the best and the rest is average" type of a person?
Out n about in Shibuya. Before I continue, Mirai Gaia is now dishing out all photos in a larger format. The original photos are 800px wide but I'm forcing them to be about 790px to fit in the right column. IE users may see jagged edges in photos - all other browsers will see smooth scaling.
I'll probably remove the right column soon but thinking about how to design the UI. There are about 35 large photos in this article. Lemme know if you have probs viewing. I'm aware that some of you are on slow connections.
I'll probably remove the right column soon but thinking about how to design the UI. There are about 35 large photos in this article. Lemme know if you have probs viewing. I'm aware that some of you are on slow connections.
On the move - name the train line.
Out n about at Sakuraya Hobby kan in Shinjuku checking out the latest figure releases.
Bento box lunch set - 700 yen.
Folks in Japan who observe the news will know that there is a lack of part time workers especially at food chain restaurants. Was surprised to see that Mc Dees were handing out "join Mc Dees crew" leaflets.
Day time shift is 950 yen per hour. Night time shift is 1,187 yen per hour.
Speaking of restaurant jobs, previously worked in a Japanese restaurant called Benihana's back in the UK during my university days and personally recommend working at fast paced restaurant for life experience. Benihana was the first place where I worked with a variety of people with different jobs - bell boy, chefs, waiters and so on. I was a hall waiter.
I experienced being shouted at by managers, customers, experienced messing up, crying, laughing, working long late hours and rushing home past midnight on roller blades to do homework for the next day - and the pay was student pay (peanuts).
But I knew it was worth it because all the money I saved each year was used to pay for a ticket to Tokyo. Part time jobs in a restaurant really does wonders in terms of life training and preparing ones self for the realities of society.
One of my previous managers at Amazon was a bartender and by chance got a job at Amazon as a Technical Program Manager (!) He didn't previously have a technical background but was always on the ball and basically got things done. He later became a director and currently manages hundreds of development teams at Amazon. He said that he learned a lot about getting things done during his bartending days.
Amazon interviews are tough but its more about getting the answers right when asked about how one would handle priorities.
So here is a question I was asked when interviewing for the position as Website Manager - how would you answer. There is a correct and incorrect way of answering and you do not have to be technical to get it right. Just because you are in an interview, don't answer in a way that you think others want you to answer. How would you answer?
Day time shift is 950 yen per hour. Night time shift is 1,187 yen per hour.
Speaking of restaurant jobs, previously worked in a Japanese restaurant called Benihana's back in the UK during my university days and personally recommend working at fast paced restaurant for life experience. Benihana was the first place where I worked with a variety of people with different jobs - bell boy, chefs, waiters and so on. I was a hall waiter.
I experienced being shouted at by managers, customers, experienced messing up, crying, laughing, working long late hours and rushing home past midnight on roller blades to do homework for the next day - and the pay was student pay (peanuts).
But I knew it was worth it because all the money I saved each year was used to pay for a ticket to Tokyo. Part time jobs in a restaurant really does wonders in terms of life training and preparing ones self for the realities of society.
One of my previous managers at Amazon was a bartender and by chance got a job at Amazon as a Technical Program Manager (!) He didn't previously have a technical background but was always on the ball and basically got things done. He later became a director and currently manages hundreds of development teams at Amazon. He said that he learned a lot about getting things done during his bartending days.
Amazon interviews are tough but its more about getting the answers right when asked about how one would handle priorities.
So here is a question I was asked when interviewing for the position as Website Manager - how would you answer. There is a correct and incorrect way of answering and you do not have to be technical to get it right. Just because you are in an interview, don't answer in a way that you think others want you to answer. How would you answer?
You are currently working on rolling out a site feature and your staff is all occupied with the rollout.
A business owner (lets say it was Marketing) tells you that they need a website feature built urgently and that they can expect thousands of incremental users leading to millions of dollars in sales. What do you do?
This is one of the reasons why Japanese folks complain when they make trips overseas - cigarettes in Japan are very cheap indeed - 300 yen for a pack. While many other countries proactively warn of the dangers of smoking, the Japanese advertising agencies glamorize smoking. I probably should go round taking some pics of the ads as an example.
Setting up my neighbors new Mac. Apart from evangelizing Macs to my friends - I do it to my neighbors too ^^;
Testing out some dark shots with the Lumix LX3.
Oseibi [お歳暮] is are end of year gifts traditionally given by the Japanese. Got some from comrades at Hobby Stock - box O coffee related stuff.
And something from the box - instant coffee without the need of a coffee machine.
Banana Tempura for dessert.
Mos Burger straps up for grabs to celebrate a Merry X'Mos...
Teriyaki Mos Burger. Quite yummy indeed.
Got this USB LAN adapter for the MacBook Air as the wireless connection is quite crap. Plug n play with no drivers required. I recall my Windows days where I would battle with resource clashes and driver problems every time I wanted to add a new device.
At Ozaki-senseis gaff with Samurai Girl getting ready to leave.
At Tokyo Big Sight for Hobby Complex.
Curry Katsu lunch before taking off for home.
Dont know why the Kentucky menu has to be so complicated. They probably should change their strategy and simplify things like Mc Dees.
Christmas lunch ^^;
Old and the New.
Been doing a lot of cleaning at the end of the year.
Tofu Chige lunch set at Matsuya - 500 yen.
Cream cake n afternoon tea. Left the UK ten years ago but make sure to keep the tradition.
This weeks kiddy meal goodies at Mc Dees are Pokemon balls.
Mamamia!!! Another suddenly acquired Dollfie shaped box arrives! Wonder which lovely lass is inside...
Apart from the end of year cleaning (known as Nenmatsu Oosouji [年末大掃除], I've been trying to utilize space efficiently starting with figure bases. Here I have glued the plastic foot base to figma bases - stand perfectly well and can still be removed from the base. The bases at the front of the photo are the hideously large default one for each figure.
Have a load of spare figma bases so I can do this easily though. The original bases are binned.
Can now put two figures where Tomoe used to stand.
Tomoe review and Nanael up soon.
Have a load of spare figma bases so I can do this easily though. The original bases are binned.
Can now put two figures where Tomoe used to stand.
Tomoe review and Nanael up soon.
The not incredibly attractive original Kemeko white base replaced by a figma base.
More end of year cleaning on the third floor.
Box O unwanted stuff. Those Kemeko heads are spares. Will give lot to the next person I meet.
Now that my job has evolved to a point where I get figures sent to me every month, I need to start being picky about what stays out on display. The more figures on display, the more time needed to maintain (dusting, wiping) them. And while I wipe them, some drop on the floor and I need to fix stuff thats fallen off ^^;
At this moment in time, I cant invest time to send these out to readers. besides, I'd rather have you own new stuff instead. More giveaways soon.
At this moment in time, I cant invest time to send these out to readers. besides, I'd rather have you own new stuff instead. More giveaways soon.
The more stuff I have, the more time I need to look after them - even if they are just in some cupboard. The reason is that they take up space - which is space taken away from storing other stuff. I then need to make time to make space for other stuff.
I usually consider whether I have looked at or touched the item within the last year and whether I would care if it just disappeared one day. If the answer is "no", I usually get rid of it - the neighbors get first choice.
I usually consider whether I have looked at or touched the item within the last year and whether I would care if it just disappeared one day. If the answer is "no", I usually get rid of it - the neighbors get first choice.
More retired figures to add to the current bunch. Nice figures but not as nice as some of the others.
Taken this morning - comrades from Singapore. Jason Ho who does the animation for the Star Wars Clone Wars TV series and Vong YongHow - another CG type who worked on Bandai's Freedom Project.
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Bit late with this weeks Week in Tokyo but be knowist that this series wi...(more)
Fri 12/12 13:57 comments (128)
Bit behind in the Week in Tokyo so this week will cover a bit more than a...(more)
Mon 11/24 01:45 comments (129)
I never work in a restaurant. Pay ish teh suck. I usually do admin work inside an office. I work best with a computer.
(ID #428243) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:10
Not necessarily. A number of my friends who work part-time at restaurants usually walk away with about $20-25 USD an hour. They mainly make it from tips. Company or staff outings pay the largest.
(ID #428273) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:42
There's no culture of giving tips here in Singapore. I've been working part-time at a thai restaurant in SG for 2 and half years and the customers hardly give tips even thou our restaurant dint charge the additional 10% service charge. Currently paid abt 5USD/hr and the salary allows me to purchase 3-4 figures each months. Its amazing that MacDee in japan is paying 950yen/hr while in Singapore it's only 3USD/hr =.=" Anyway I believe that the working in a restaurant is a great exposure for me as I get to meet different type of people, and also difficult customers. I've gain invaluable social skills from the work experience =)
(ID #428309) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:36
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
I want to work part time in Japan, the pay is ALOT more than here in Singapore...
(ID #433662) Posted on 2009/01/03 10:50
Hey buddy watch what you say! I work at a fast food restruant in fact, a Mc. Dees! I make a very good chunk of change before taxes every two weeks. and for beign straigth out of high school and only being in the company two years I make a very solid hourly. Beside's its putting me through college and still fueling my otaku binges whenever I feel the need to buy something.
(ID #430792) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:54
student , otaku and awesome blogger
I know the pains of working for a restaurant, i had a boss who would fire me and rehire me once a week because he was nuts. I ended up quitting and getting a better job at a video game store.
(ID #428245) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:13
woah is that image ID#23869 a picture of the FALCON? from BLODDY MONDAY? the food looks DELICIOUS^^
(ID #428249) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:18
Aurora (Registered on 2006/12/26 10:01)
I believe so. I really want that wallpaper too!
(ID #428690) Posted on 2008/12/30 01:56
Physical Therapy student
you can get it here ^^ http://www.tbs.co.jp/bloody-monday/secret/ you need to answer 5 questions..you can guess at the answers since there's unlimited tries ^^
(ID #429929) Posted on 2008/12/31 01:31
university student
ahhh i am so addicted to that drama right now still waiting for the subs =.=" upload that wallpaper danny =D
(ID #429442) Posted on 2008/12/30 15:09
Otaku
Fate Lily!!! HTH!!!!
(ID #428250) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:19
former Emperor of Britannia
So many figurines XD Guess it's really up to the collector. For me i don't mind doing dusting as long as i can see each of them out in the open XD
(ID #428251) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:19
Danny should put them in air tight(?) glass shelf.
(ID #428814) Posted on 2008/12/30 04:13
I was a bus boy once, hardest job ever, under appreciated too.
(ID #428256) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:24
Student
I work at a fast food. Thanks to that I got my PSP there and the repair for my computer since it's very very old, like 8 years. XD
(ID #428257) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:24
Programming Student
nope haven't worked in restaurants rather i work in the back-office for my part-times. and wow that's a lot of leftovers u got from cleaning!
(ID #428258) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:25
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
*dives into your retired figures to hunt for Taiga chan* (LOL) hehe you look berry pleased in the last photo of U and the comrades ;P! Ahhh Mosburger ^^;;;;
(ID #428259) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:26
Interesting question. As Website Manager I would first assess the importance of the site feature we're working on relative to the one that Marketing needs done. If our current task can be delayed then I would have the staff move onto working the new feature before finishing up the current. If not I would see if the staff can be partitioned so that several developers and programmers can start the new feature while the rest finish up rolling out the current one. If the current feature we're working on must be implemented first and foremost before what Marketing wants I would tell them that straight-forward. By dancing around and making promises I can't keep will only get me and my staff into stress and trouble. -------- I'd say Japanese products are generally above
(ID #428261) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:29
Accidentally hit submit before completing that sentence. "I'd say Japanese products are generally above" other consumer products. An example, Japanese automobiles are more reliable. Yet if I worked construction or liked to go camping then American made muscle vehicles would be my choice. I wouldn't say they are always the best but the quality of products are typically high.
(ID #428264) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:34
Mechanical Engineering student
I have a bit of job experiences myself. I've been working at my mom's company to earn a bit of extra cash every summer. At first I thought I would mess things up but eventually that changed. I learned a lot and gained a lot of money XD What a coincidence! I also did some year-end cleaning too. Got rid of the stuff I didn't use and found some things I thought I lost forever! I used to do this twice a year but couldn't do it last year because of college stuff x_x
(ID #428262) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:31
Student & Part time worker in a Day Care
ah I can't believe you're putting that Kasumi away, would mind if you give away the old figures you don't want, I'll take 'em
(ID #428263) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:33
True. Despite keeping my Kasumi in the box I still have her displayed. And Lala too! (>oo)>
(ID #428269) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:38
Student
Yeah, I'd love that Lala! I wonder who the Dollfie is though...
(ID #428864) Posted on 2008/12/30 05:26
生徒 highschool student
I've yet to get a job : /. Been meaning to go apply somewhere just havnt made the time to do so. The mass amount of figures you have Danny, still amazes me. I can only imagine how much more you have.
(ID #428266) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:37
I'm also cleaning out my room as well. A lot of my old anime magazines and a few figures are up for grabs to people who live near me at the moment. ^^ Better than to toss them all out I suppose. And man Danny, I think you go through more figures in a month than I do in a year... o-o
(ID #428267) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:37
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
I worked at my parents' restaurants, but not as much because I was still in elementary school. I was good with one of those big cutting knives. Peel carrots, cut broccoli, deep fry some food, etc. Nothing big and well the pay is basically my allowance. If I'm not doing homework at the workplace I help out here and there. As for the question you asked, I wouldn't want to trouble my employees if they're occupied with the rollout, the best I can do for the one that need it urgently is for me to help him layout how he wants it and get ideas of what he wants and if I can spare the time then I'll start some of it... Gotta take some priorities, right? Bad answer? *Wonders what the Stormtrooper in a McDonald's uniform would look like*
(ID #428268) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:38
DCX001-Prototype
Stormtrooper in Yellow/White/Red stripe, DO NOT WAT!
(ID #428304) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:30
Future Idol
Another Dolfie?? @_@
(ID #428272) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:39
DCX001-Prototype
Answer for the interview question: First of all, that business owner already aware that if the new site feature is able to be implemented ASAP, he'll be able to profit abundantly from it. So this pretty much sum it up as the priority. This had happened to me more than a year ago when I was pushing my e-commerce site to be online before Christmas to generate tons of sales for my products from the big holiday season. This answer was judged from the given scenario, if more details can be provided on what are the current other site feature that my team are working on, I'll be able to give a more detailed explanation as why I chose the business owner project as my priority.
(ID #428274) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:42
DCX001-Prototype
Lively Shinjuku, I wonder does the Laughing Man still hang out at the Starbucks ^^; I guessing Saikyō Line or Shōnan-Shinjuku Line. Didn't exactly work in a restaurant before, but was a hotel waiter to Asst.Captain in 5-stars hotel handling all sort of tasks from banquet setup to washing plates........ Fate Lily spotted ^^ Cigarette are cheap in Japan, but how about cigar/mini cigar? I only smoke cigars (used to). Behold the Mac conquest! I'm still wondering to get a 17' MBP or mega 20' HP Dragon Desknote..... Both at the same price of MYR10,000 (USD2,800) Coffee dipper tend to retain some of the favor on the paper itself, thus lowering the original favor, I would recommend a French Press. WOOT! another dollfie arrived?! Now Saber will be able to pick a fight with her own size ^^ Changing the original display base to figma base indeed really help to save space & look more neatly. So from now on Danny will give head parts to the new person he meet ^^; hehehehe~~~ Gruesome foursome spotted in the airtight zipbag ^^ Drooling at the massive flood of figurines~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now it's my turn to have a nenmatsu oosouji.............
(ID #428287) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:00
Unemployed bummer
i'd take that Kasumi AND Lala too! as for Japanese products, i believe there is a basis for the general idea that Japanese products are superior because of the amount of R&D that is put into their products. however, certain product features cannot be evaluated on a superior=expensive basis as those features may be redundant or unnecessary. as such, the cheaper 'foreign' products would win out in terms of pricing. as for the Amazon question, i'm pretty much with Raz. if my direct manager happens to be around, i'd ask for his opinion but if i'm in charge wholly of that site feature to-be-rolled-out, i'd make a decision on the relative importance of those two site features and if necessary, pull staff off the current team to work them both concurrently. it also depends on the relative amount of production time required for each feature. say for e.g., the lower priority feature gets less staff, or the more time-consuming one gets less staff as well. as such, it would be a matter of juggling the priorities, production time and the value-adding capacity to the company that would factor into the reshuffling of staff. one more factor to consider is the staff competencies as certain employees aren't able to leave things behind on a previous project so individuals with the capacity to shift focus quickly will be considered to improve efficiencies lest they have their focus stuck on the previous project.
(ID #428281) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:55
Unemployed bummer
oh, guessing that's a Fortune Arterial dolfie? ^_^
(ID #428282) Posted on 2008/12/29 14:56
CEO MIrai Inc
Wrong desu ^^;
(ID #429535) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:25
Unemployed bummer
lol, now we know. kinda forgot you were lusting after the Aoi all this time. nice to have sponsors pampering you isn't it? =P
(ID #430546) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:13
DCX001-Prototype
Well answered, agreed on staff competency & focus. *thumb up*
(ID #428294) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:11
I have worked in a comic book shop as a teenager while waiting to get called into the army. Hah, if u were my next door neighbour Danny, I’ll probably bug you every other day bout my Mac stuff. Those other days, I’ll be bugging bout your figures. ☺ I never seen a banana tempura before! Although we have something similar here on the local food level called ‘Goreng Bisang’. I just got the entire set of the Mos Burger straps from my local Mos Burger outlet. Got pix up at my site too!
(ID #428285) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:00
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
wow Danny you meet YongHow, the first foreigner to be hired by a major japanese animation studio. awesome. anyway the new bigger pics are most welcomed, now we can see the pics without having to click on everyone of them. but that also means lesser view on your flickr. is that OK? lastly i see a wing zero gundam box in the cupboard. how long have it been already? ^^;
(ID #428286) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:00
CEO MIrai Inc
Less views on Flickr are fine - users at dccom have priority over page views. Wing - over a year? ^^;
(ID #429501) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:09
I like Danny blog the most because he lets you see into his personal life!!! Which is cool he is living the ultimate life were you doing what you love as a job!!!! Thanks Danny for letting us be apart of your life your cool as hell!!!
(ID #428289) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:02
INDEED! I also want to add that this article was really interesting for me! Now, about the restaurant - I've never worked in one. Heck I've never worked at all but I do know that one day(in the near future) I'll get my shot at it. "Do or do not - there is no try!"
(ID #432257) Posted on 2009/01/01 22:20
JR. College Student
The thing with Japanese brands is that many of them have moved production to China... some products you know will always be in Japan though. I believe my Technics turntables were both made in Japan. Worth every penny. About the site... am I the only one who sees gray-ed out text near images? Like this? http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2767/graytextqg2.jpg (I'm using FF 3.0.5 w/win XP) As for the question... I would wait till it's finished. A quick swing and a miss is worse than a delayed swing and a hit.
(ID #428296) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:14
CEO MIrai Inc
Shadows are jquery - will turn off.
(ID #429534) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:25
nice being your neighbours! ;D be careful of your figures leaning...if the weather there is not too warm its probably alright, but if it can get rather warm at times, some of your figures look like they might lean after some time. also, just wondering about your site/photo layouts, is it possible to leave a space after every photo/caption? Sometimes it get hard to tell which caption is for which photo as they are spaced too closely together. The captions sometimes looked like they are the photo above them as it is placed right underneath it. I'm on Chrome though so maybe this is the reason why. Lastly, what's your answer to the Website manager interview question? Just interested to know...
(ID #428298) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:18
CEO MIrai Inc
Will add more space between photos when the next design is up. My Amazon answer will cover in a different post.
(ID #429533) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:24
US Navy Sailor
Another Dollfie Dream so quickly!?! Good that Saber may soon be getting some company. Wonder which one you got. For my work experience, I never worked at a restaurant but I have worked at Wal-Mart. You get to see the ugly side of humanity as a cashier there (shoplifting/scamming city) I'm going to take a guess at what line that your on in that photo. I see the green Yamanote line out the window so I'm guessing the blue colored Shonan Shinjuku line/Yokosuka line. Might be wrong though.
(ID #428300) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:23
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
i feel sorry for those retired figs T_T~ hope to see more juicy Week in Tokyo stuff next year~ godspeed Danny^^
(ID #428301) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:25
That's a pretty cool way to save space with the figma bases...that's a lot of retired figures, but really it's a treasure trove of goodies...another dollfie? that was fast...
(ID #428308) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:35
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
I'm glad to see that your Strike is still hanging in there. But what happened to your Wing Zero? And were those F91s in the retired figures bags? I don't mind them being old Danny, Just give them to me XD. Anyways, last summer worked part time (or you can say that it was training) at an Educational Magazine company(?) where I wrote articles for High school kiddies, I guess the pay was okay since I was able to buy a lot of stuff and save a lot while I was still there. But the problem was, I left many games dangling, left my gundams untouched and didn't see my friends much. But, I guess that was an okay experience being able to peek into the life of a working adult. Factors such as boredom and uninteresting or irritating work mates can really affect one's work.
(ID #428312) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:39
CEO MIrai Inc
F91 GFFs - sharp eyes you have ^^ Wing is still under construction.
(ID #429529) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:23
Yes...its very hard working those late night shifts. My shifts were usually 2 or 4 in the morning till 10 to 12 in the afternoon. As soon as I get off from work, I would sleep the day away and barely make it in time for my night classes. Those days were gruesome...well, overall it was a great experience. It helped me realize a lot about reality more than I imagined it to be.
(ID #428313) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:39
Never worked in a restaurant, the train out the door looks like the JR Yamanote line.
(ID #428315) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:43
I too work in a restaurant. Most people assume Bartending, serving, or something similar to be the most difficult job. It's not. The hardest job, by FAR, is night dishwasher. Anyone who wants character built, go apply to your local restaurant as a Nighttime Dishwasher. (You'll be hired, guaranteed.) It requires organization to an extreme level, dedication, physical endurance (Some of those racks are HEAVY). You must withstand constant yelling, screaming, demeaning comments. Hours go long into the nights (3AM is my latest, but I've seen people literally pull all-nighters). All this for whatever the minimum wage is in your area. I worked in dish for far longer than I should have, but I feel I've really benefitted from it. As for the Amazon question: I would need more information to go from. The new feature that is set to be rolled out. Does it benefit the company greatly? Will the benefits outweigh the possibility of profits from the marketing department's project? If yes, then I would politely ask the business owner to put a sock in it, at least for the next few weeks. If no, then I would probably take more of a phasing approach. Take a few people from the rollout who are done or almost done, and assign them to the new project. As more people become available, transfer them over. It would be nice to simply switch a score of staff over to the most important project, but you DO have obligations to the original project.
(ID #428324) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:57
InfoSys Student and Saxophone Player
That was my first job ever when I turned sixteen. I worked at the Officer's Club on the base my family was stationed at. By far one of the most intense jobs I have ever had, especially since every sunday they had brunch and they also hosted weddings and stuff like that.
(ID #430208) Posted on 2008/12/31 07:20
I've worked in fast food twice while being student so far. Both times ended quickly for dumb reasons though. First was Burger King, where I quit for a better job and health reasons (they had atleast 2 inches of grease on the floors and smoked in the kitchen). Second was Subway, which I was actually laid off from thanks to someone from highschool who didn't like me was sleeping with the boss -___-
(ID #428325) Posted on 2008/12/29 15:59
- Yamanote Line? - 950Yen for McDees arubaito and 300Yen cigarettes! The part-time pay for Mac here is 4-5ish dollars per hour and 9-12 bucks for a pack of cigarettes! - Love the gift exchange culture in Japan (but I'm sure yall find it a hassle) - Gosh, would die for that banana tempura dessert and the instant coffee looks cool - Would die for curry rice too and that's a very cheap Tofu Chige lunch!
(ID #428330) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:16
I worked at my friend's aunt's restaurant for a festival once. I got minimum wage but a lot of free food. Another one of my friend's little sister would love to collect the Pokemon stuff... do I see a rifle in the box of unwanted?? Oh I'd love to get my hands on a sniper rifle for my figma.
(ID #428333) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:24
when i was in high school i had a graveyard job on gas station. was my first job.. i hated it working at night and then go to school.. today im working in restaurant.. been working there for 3years as a server, i dont hate it but is stressful.. but at the end, i make good money (most of the time.)
(ID #428335) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:26
One or two figures bagged and ready to go my way? My figure priority is similar to Dannys', but I must remember to put my three colour versions of Kazumi in the classifieds. Stay tuned!
(ID #428336) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:28
must say i have never tried doing restaurant work before, although I have had a slew of other jobs
(ID #428337) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:32
Student, health worker
It's amazing how different the advertisements for cigarettes is in Japan compared to the way it's presented in the US. They are different countries, though, so I guess that's to be expected? I quite like the larger photos, by the way. :)
(ID #428342) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:43
wow, another dolfie? i'm envious. didn't work in any restaurant till now. regarding the interview question, i will roll out the Marketing dept's feature based on priority and on technical feasibility of the feature. adding any new feature to a site requires a lot of testing and this takes time. so i will implement that feature in the next phase or make my team work on it after completing the current project in hand, since my project is first priority at present. Another way would be to hire additional people (which would depend on the budget and time too) for the job or take some additional people from other projects which are not so busy in my project. this reminds me of having to throw out the stacks of figure boxes after emptying them. i wish i threw every thing not useful to me out of the house instead of storing them.
(ID #428346) Posted on 2008/12/29 16:59
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
I WANT TO MEET YOU IN JAPAN DANNY...sadly...I have to wait till August 2009... I wonder why do people get more money for night shift.... Here in Canada, it's the same all around...8.75 an hour... KFC here isn't like KFC in Japan or Hong Kong... KFC here sells only chicken, popcorn chicken and chicken sandwiches... For you question above Danny, I would basically try to get it done myself until some employees are done their task and will help me with the website....It's better getting some done until someone helps you then waiting for help then starting it...waste less time then wasting more time...
(ID #428351) Posted on 2008/12/29 17:08
I never work in a restaurant before, as the pay is very very low. However, i did work at my mum's food store. I am a tutor who teaches elementary students Chinese and Mathematics. Somehow i enjoy being a tutor, as when i see my students' results improving, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. =D Sad to say, i have to stop my tuition job for a while now, as i need the time for my school and Japanese class. Speaking of nenmatsu oosouji, our family is quite different. We do our cleaning when the Chinese New Year is approaching. It can be called nenmatsu oosouji as well, as that will be the nenmatsu for the lunar calendar. After this article, i guess most of us here want to be Danny's neighbor. XD
(ID #428354) Posted on 2008/12/29 17:10
conscript (the end is getting near)
I worked as tech support before. It was a pretty interesting job as most problems were either new problems or no problems and you get to deal with all sorts of unreasonable users. By the way I've been seeing the mushroom plush on the floor in #23870 several times. The whole bunch of figures in bags makes me green.
(ID #428359) Posted on 2008/12/29 17:18
Another SAD? Heheh... Just right after Dolfie Saber. Btw, Fate Lily looks cool.. Must..get Saber Lily orz Is that a desktop PC you have there in your cupboard? Still keeping one eh? ^^
(ID #428360) Posted on 2008/12/29 17:21
Games addicted
When i was ate the uny i worked in a videogames shop and Book shop. No never worked in a resturant... i think it's very hard job. Anyone who do it has all my respect!
(ID #428368) Posted on 2008/12/29 17:36
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
you have so may figs its insane i've never worked (for pay) at all. the only 'work' i've done is for my course; about 4 months of work placement. i didn't really learn much or gain much experience at all from that.... mainly because what im being trained in was far from related to my training. though i really need to find some sort of job somewhere
(ID #428379) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:05
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
wait.... let me rephrase that last part ^^; what i did for my placement (3 projects) was far from related to my training (in class) *sigh* i hope that makes more sense
(ID #428380) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:07
Donate your unwanted figures to me!!!
(ID #428382) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:12
looks like youre already packing up that to loveru lala figure you just got. me want the pachira and witchblade masane. sooo god damn expensive to get.
(ID #428383) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:14
I worked in a restaurant for 2 months and was treated like a dirt rag by the owner of the place so I left. As far as part time jobs go I think I'm better suited to retail. Very interesting idea using the figma bases to stand other figs... I wouldn't think it would save that much space but I guess when you have enough figures you need any space you can get. xD And I agree with the above replies, has to be the Yamanote line as I've only ever seen that Eco school advert on the Yamanote.
(ID #428384) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:15
Finally larger pictures ^___^ Yamanote line Shibuya station platform 2, Series E231-500 going anti-clockwise. Just wondering where I'm supposed to look while sitting on the train bench, to the guys stomach who is standing in front of me or to my lap?
(ID #428387) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:40
CEO MIrai Inc
Depends on how you feel ^^;
(ID #429526) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:21
Student
my first job was a paper round ^^ lucky it hardly ever rained where I live. during high school I worked inside the local theatre as a lighting and sound technician. We served mostly calisthenic groups, dance clubs and indian idol things. Good pay for doing mostly nothing except watch anime XD. Now im doing my 12 weeks summer vacation employment for my university course out beyond the black stump, in a place called Whyalla. Google map it if anyone is interested, there is only one in the world (im from melbourne originally) I miss my figurines~
(ID #428391) Posted on 2008/12/29 18:50
Hotdog Repairman
Yeah, I've worked in the restaurant industry before. Some good, some not so good, but it showed me I have great multitasking abilities. You meet tonnes of cute girls too. It's been ages since I've done any work in that industry tho. When I purchase items, I don't mind paying more if I know its good quality proven to perform to my expectations whether it be japanese or whatnot. Especially since alot of brand name items are not assembled from their origin country. Believe lots of Sony products in North America are assembled in Mexico.
(ID #428396) Posted on 2008/12/29 19:01
i was wondering, people are only sleeping or using their phones in the train ? danny: you don't use the network adaptor sold by apple for its MBA ?
(ID #428403) Posted on 2008/12/29 19:14
CEO MIrai Inc
The one I got was half the cost of the apple one.
(ID #429525) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:21
Phone... I WANT YOUR PHONE Q__Q
(ID #428405) Posted on 2008/12/29 19:27
CEO MIrai Inc
Trust me - its crap.
(ID #429524) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:19
Unemployed bummer
all the more reason to sell it to Lenners. bwahahaha!
(ID #430550) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:15
I love this section. I'm 19 and I never had to work. Going to work this summer though because I'm planning some big expenses in the months to come and parents don't want to pay for it all. I'm lucky they agreed to pay up until now.
(ID #428419) Posted on 2008/12/29 20:07
Student.
Awee man, I wish I could get that Box O unwanted stuff.... :/
(ID #428423) Posted on 2008/12/29 20:14
Unemployed Dollfie enthusiast
I have only ever worked in a call center and an office as an administrator. I really enjoy admin though and I find the multi tasking it involves very motivating and fun. God made redundant though so not working atm which pains me. As for the doll, I'm going to guess it's either Escalayer, Kanu or one of the FORTUNE ARTERIAL girls.
(ID #428429) Posted on 2008/12/29 20:37
oh yeah worked in a restaurant before. part of the trade school education here is that you actually go for a month or so to a working place and get real experience. i was studying catering and tourism so i was in the hotel restaurant working as a waiter. was working at the same hotel that Bill Clinton, Elizabeth II and others stayed when visiting my country, so you can imagine what kind of people come there. posh high society. how i dreaded going there... this lady wanted some kind of special tee, that we didn't have. and she went ballistic on me what kind of a place is this, demanding to speak with the manager and also that i should be fired o_O he told her that he would have a talk with me. in the office he told me that i just got a taste of the crap he goes through everyday, thats why he has a punching bag down in the changing room and why he has a slight drinking problem...either way it was a good experience plus the tips where big ^^
(ID #428437) Posted on 2008/12/29 20:52
I don't try some job in my school days because im busy of some work. But i like cleaning my home up to the 5th floor all over myself.Danny is so very neat cleaner especially put some figures in a plastic against dust and dirt.I think i do that danny do to put something useful and throw some useless junk.Sometime i need some jobs but only for a half a year because of school but its o.k to save some money to spend some figures.
(ID #428438) Posted on 2008/12/29 20:59
Very cool the figurine of Kemeko !!
(ID #428443) Posted on 2008/12/29 21:07
nope coz the pay arent as good as the fast food restaurants in Japan. here our pay is usually less than half you get in Japan per hour.
(ID #428445) Posted on 2008/12/29 21:09
Working in a coffee shop is also quite frantic sometimes!
(ID #428451) Posted on 2008/12/29 21:15
Extremely Poor College Student
it seems like a shame to throw out the aya and kasumi figure
(ID #428496) Posted on 2008/12/29 22:54
CEO MIrai Inc
Will make sure they get adopted by loving parents.
(ID #429522) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:18
Student artist
Danny looks so funny in the first picture.
(ID #428507) Posted on 2008/12/29 23:15
That's Shibuya right? Then it should be Tokyo Metro Ginza Line if i recall correctly. Never worked at a restaurant before, would be interesting though. Copy the chef's recipes and cook them at home XD
(ID #428521) Posted on 2008/12/29 23:25
CEO MIrai Inc
JR Yamanote line at Shibuya ^^
(ID #429520) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:18
Ahhh.. For some reason I thought you meant the station below Starbucks above.
(ID #430318) Posted on 2008/12/31 10:24
Student/Music Producer/Web Designer
Wow! o.o I really like this Week in Tokyo article. Very informative- pictures are neat too. ^^ *drools over MacBook*
(ID #428549) Posted on 2008/12/29 23:50
let me take a shot at that question since the business owner has already highlighted the urgency of the task, i would surmise that all matter of consultations and deliberation has already been made. this, coupled with that fact that there's substantial earnings to be made, i will divert my staff to focus on the feature the owner wants built, at the expense of the previous web feature, leaving it for a later day.
(ID #428555) Posted on 2008/12/29 23:57
Navy Recruit
Once again a great blog danny,
(ID #428567) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:08
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
I first part time job was as a backend programmer for a bank. although I did teach at a public school (with no pay) prior to that. about the amazon problem, I'd probably prioritize the first rollout site, unless of course it isn't that urgent. if both projects are equally urgent and your second client is a bit pushy, I'd probably assign one guy from the team to start work on the second site, just to keep the client/business owner/marketing guy from throwing a fit.
(ID #428571) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:10
What is the figure with the blonde hair and the gothic clothes called? http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/3146588230/sizes/o/
(ID #428577) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:19
CEO MIrai Inc
Pachira desu.
(ID #429518) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:17
ooh! domo arigatou gozaimasu!
(ID #433343) Posted on 2009/01/03 03:18
Otaku, High School Student, Aspiring Animator
Man that tempura looked good. I work in a restaurant now. Business has been very slow as of late and we actually might be closing soon. I'm thinking it's because the people that run the place have no idea what they're doing and have driven away customers and even some long time workers.
(ID #428591) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:35
CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
Thanks for taking the time to meet up Danny, its was great hearing your insight on the various issues we talked about. Have a fantastic new year, and let's meet up again. ps I like Matsuya's Tofu Chige too, its actually pretty tasty, especially for just 500 yen.
(ID #428593) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:38
Professional Panhandler
I don't mind taking the Haruka and Lala figure that you wanna chuck XD *note to self: must move near Danny*
(ID #428597) Posted on 2008/12/30 00:40
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Interesting those potato hashbrowns from Mc...
(ID #428680) Posted on 2008/12/30 01:47
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
With 300 yen per pack of cigs, i'll be even more hard-pressed to stop my dad from puffing the sticks than he already is. XDDD
(ID #428712) Posted on 2008/12/30 02:11
The bigger pictures work fine. And they are an improvement IMHO, bigger pictures are easier to look at and don't need to spend so much time on clicking and enlarging all the time:)
(ID #428714) Posted on 2008/12/30 02:13
Goreng Pisang (i.e. fried banana) would be Malaysia's banana tempura xD And I love your coffee mug. Yumm. Looking forward to the next giveaway! As for the poll, will do it next year ^^ -Btw, a problem on the large images - the frame shadow thingy for all the images are blocking the text. Which means I can't even click the "giveaway" link. Might wanna make it smaller or standardize the shadow.
(ID #428732) Posted on 2008/12/30 02:31
Weird - shadows gone after sending comment. Scratch that ^^; P.S. Lil mistake, its Pisang Goreng. xD Goreng pisang would be to fry bananas (verb).
(ID #428736) Posted on 2008/12/30 02:37
Bleh... Never worked in a restaurant.. Could be an interesting experience but I can't handle that kind of stuff :P I'm a bit too shy ^^; hands start shaking and that kind of stuff which is kinda embarrassing. Although I don't take it too seriously, it's a pain in the ass. Restrains a lot of possible jobs for me :P Anyways, I prefer stuff that I can do alone or where I don't need to be social. Maybe sometime I'll get more used to it, though. I've worked twice in a garden centre. People there are really relaxed and kind :) and you don't have to rush things! This summer I'm trying to get a job from a nearby cemetery, I would mostly do gardening jobs there. Rake the leaves and stuff like that. About the Japanese brands.. well, I don't know much but I think there a other people who does a good job as well >_< or something like that.
(ID #428784) Posted on 2008/12/30 03:43
Looking for work again
I used to dream of moving to Japan. Now I dream of moving to Japan and living next door to Danny :)
(ID #428786) Posted on 2008/12/30 03:47
amatuer bum
Haha, i think we all do.
(ID #428821) Posted on 2008/12/30 04:18
university film student
Never worked in a restaurant, even if I wanted to. I'm of the same opinion: the crappier your first jobs are, the better prepared you are in the future. I've only had two jobs so far: one was very well-paid, and somewhat easy work. The other was difficult heavy lifting, and minimum wage. I learnt much more from the second job and walked away a wiser and more patient person. I also got over things like wading in dust and getting dirty. And...I have never been more envious of your neighbours as I am now. x_x And this person has a Mac Air! Grrr...
(ID #428790) Posted on 2008/12/30 03:53
amatuer bum
It surprises me how clean your desk area is in terms of wires. I would at least expect the same level of mess that I have. But no where near that. i hate wires =(
(ID #428822) Posted on 2008/12/30 04:20
Never worked at all. I spent nearly all of my senior year looking and applying but having no experience before probably made my application weak. We probably have too many people looking for work when there are lots of places closing down. It would be nice to work in a place like Hollywood where people tip big or so someone told me, but that's already far.
(ID #428892) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:24
i've worked once, though it was just volunteer work, i was a runner. runners are kinda like waiters, except we do a bit more than them
(ID #428897) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:34
Executive Seneschal of the Third Ward
I only had to work in a that sort of setting my first year as a student and summer thereafter. After that, I sought jobs a bit less... aromatic... and hectic, landing finally in a library.
(ID #428898) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:34
First job in high school was working at Target. Really helped expand my people skills ^_^ Great pics BTW
(ID #428902) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:36
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
My first job was the summer before I headed off to universty. Worked as a park sweeper for an amusement park. Pay is pretty bad, but I got to meet people. I cleaned up every possible mess imaginable (puke, poop, etc).
(ID #428915) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:51
My first two jobs were at dining establishments (one burger joint and one pizza place) and both of those experiences did not end pleasantly. At one place, I became so infuriated at one of the managers (and their significant other) that I walked out--the manager and their mate were fired within a month of my departure because the remaining others express the same issues as myself. At the other place, I was terminated due to a misunderstanding with the manager in regards to a scheduling conflict. Needless to say, both of these experiences left a sour note in my mouth and I am more than happy to place my experiences and memories in the back of my mind.
(ID #428916) Posted on 2008/12/30 06:52
Tequila (Registered on 2008/08/26 22:40)
Yup, as a kid (and being asian) I was forced to work at my parents' restaurant. I totally hated it at that time, but now I regret not paying more attention to things. Like how to cook those marvelous dishes.
(ID #428921) Posted on 2008/12/30 07:01
ColdFusion Developer
I know all about working in restaurants. My family used to own a Chinese restaurant so I've been working from a very young age and I have a pretty strong work ethic. I also worked in fast food outlets as well (like Burger King) and that taught me a lot about working in a team environment. Seems like soon you'll be having so much stuff that it'll get hard to clean up later. Perhaps you should hire a maid or something?
(ID #428926) Posted on 2008/12/30 07:12
CEO MIrai Inc
Maid sounds like a good idea.
(ID #429511) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:13
First job huh...Still havnt had one :/ sadly,its a pain in the a*s to get a job here,the only time its "possible" is during the summer :x i hate to live in a "tourist" kind of town ;_;
(ID #428928) Posted on 2008/12/30 07:15
Amazing post Danny! Those pictures are so wonderful! And the good food makes my stomach rumble. :3 My first job was teaching piano.. it's a really nice job actually.. I worked at a certain ^^ Japanese restaurant where I served the rice mainly, and helped with the cleaning and washing. I remember at first, I scooped the rice wrong and one of our Japanese customers was pissed at me. ^^; But I didn't notice.. it was my mom who noticed and scolded me for scooping the rice wrong. The rice had to look perfect in the bowl or on the plate, and I usually made it look like a catastrophe. ^___^
(ID #428965) Posted on 2008/12/30 07:47
Tequila (Registered on 2008/08/26 22:40)
lol - I wonder how long one must train to master the secret technique of the perfect scoop XD
(ID #429093) Posted on 2008/12/30 10:03
Illustrator & Designer
I think nowadays all brands are all the same in terms of quality since everything is made in China. I guess I do think some brands have a better reputation than others in terms of build quality and after-sale customer servicing. I'm more against buying a product knowing that there's a hidden pricing influence because of the brand and having the privilege of owning said brand products. I never worked at a resturant but I did do 2 weeks work experience at a Pizza Takeaway shop, does that count? As for the answer to your question, I'd first see if we could hold off the site feature from rolling out and use however many staff available to work and investigate on the feature for the Marketing business owner. If no holding off, I'd see if I can work on skeleton of this feature request myself and ask the business owner if he can wait. This reminds me of a movie I once watched where a foreign girl went to Japan to work as a lowly OL and she made some changes and suggestions in a report for her manager. And even though the suggestions were good, both her and her manager got in trouble because they didn't follow the company procedure / protocol. You should see (or maybe not) some of the warnings on our cigarette packaging. It's got all sorts of gore and nasty what happens after you smoke to scare you from smoking. Plus cigarettes gets taxed here a lot and are quite expensive.
(ID #428994) Posted on 2008/12/30 08:11
Scientist, unemployed.
I worked in food service during college. You'd think the dorm cafeteria would be easier than fast food, right? Not at all. As to answer the question, I would have to answer that I would work the project myself until I had an underling or three available to spend time on it. If nobody was available, I would have to tell them that whatever project they had would have to wait, unless they can convince the higher-ups that we need more manpower in the division.
(ID #429061) Posted on 2008/12/30 09:31
No kidding, when I worked at my dorm's cafeteria it was probably the best job (for service industry) one could have! I guess it really depends on what you are doing, if you are cook it is probably stressful too keep up with everything but if you were a dishwasher most of the time like me there was no supervisor to bother you.
(ID #429263) Posted on 2008/12/30 12:18
Anime Figure Collector
The more and more Danny posts stuff like this. The more and more I want to go to Japan. But it'll have to be for a year because a week or a month won't cut it for me, lol.
(ID #429104) Posted on 2008/12/30 10:11
Legionnarion_Conquistadorz (Registered on 2008/12/18 20:49)
Student
Practically, everyone who post here wants to got to Japan, unless they have already done so. :D Of part times, for me, all the money's gotten are all used on anime merchandise.
(ID #429174) Posted on 2008/12/30 10:52
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
Woah... 950 yen is waaaaay more than you get an hour in McD's now... it might have gone up since I last worked there... but can't have gone up that much... It was £4.15 when you start working there, and it goes up every pay-review. I got to £4.85 before going off to Uni lol. Haven't been back since... I know I should... gah.... money for figures vs hours standing on feet? Oh the turmoil.... Auuuuuu so many discarded figures. Me only see's a couple I have/want. Kasumi I have, and Pachira I want. Honami I want, but I want the Clayz version, that is not the Clayz I thinks...
(ID #429208) Posted on 2008/12/30 11:13
CEO MIrai Inc
Cant remember which ver the honami is ^^;
(ID #429507) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:12
$3.31 for a pack! What a steal! Here in Michigan the tax on cigarettes is crazy. It costs $5-6 a pack, and to make matters worse if you are like me and smoke American spirit cigarettes(additive free tobacco) the pack's are usually a dollar or two more!
(ID #429267) Posted on 2008/12/30 12:25
Yep, did the restaurant job thing. It has hard, painfully, under appreciated. It was the worst job EVER! However, it provided a good learning experience in that life sometimes gives you the worst of crap and if you managed to survive and overcome then you can survive any job. Customs and Compliance is my field now, and believe me, you need to learn to take a *LOT* of BS from US Customs, even if you know they are idiots, they legally insist they are right. :(
(ID #429321) Posted on 2008/12/30 13:23
Cook, avid manga reader, avid video game player
ya i worked in a restaurant for the last 2 years of high skool as part time then i got my ass promoted and now im full time, i moved from dish up 2 line, now im line pizza/salad and prep and im like 3rd inline for supervisor woot. ya paks of smokes cost about 10 bucks a pak here in ontario, canada, its horrible. wow 4 bucks a pak, somebody mail me a pack of hope (assuming they still make hope), hope is defiently my favorite brand but thats just because its called hope and man im smoking hope, how bad can it get. definitely bringing like a vending machine worth on my way bak. ya i make umm 8.75 canadian now thats min wage but iv been there for almost 2 years and i havent gotten a single raise thats kinda crappy ehh.
(ID #429342) Posted on 2008/12/30 13:44
Administrative Assistant
Back in high school, I would do restaurant work during the summer. My brother and I would work up in Wisconsin Dells (HUGE tourist attraction/city in Wisconsin). I wasn't fond of the job, but it made me money. Though the work was not as bad as field work for a farming company. THAT job was one I could have done without.
(ID #429493) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:05
CEO MIrai Inc
For all who answered the Amazon interview question - will cover in a separate post my answer.
(ID #429503) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:10
DCX001-Prototype
Great! we'll be waiting ^_^
(ID #429823) Posted on 2008/12/30 23:02
Unemployed bummer
omoshiiroi... i'll be waiting to see if i got it right.
(ID #430553) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:17
Hmm, given how many figurines you get/store, maybe you could make a Frankenstein. An arm from Haruhi, a leg from Miku, an eye or two from Mikuru, and maybe a tail for added moe.
(ID #429558) Posted on 2008/12/30 16:40
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
During summer holidays, I was working in a bar as a waiter, interesting job but not easy ^^
(ID #429666) Posted on 2008/12/30 19:24
Student
Another week filled with lovely figures and food I see! I think you should have a poll about what resolutions people use or whether they're using widescreen monitors. My software engineering lecturer told us Japan has the best quality assurance in the world but, I still don't always go for Japanese brands. I just see if something fulfil my requirements or not. Take laptops for example - Most I know go for Sony brands and laugh I bought an Acer because of their reputation of poor quality. But the laptop served me well and had no problems while their ones were sent for repairs now and then. For the question, I would answer that I would take down the ideas of the business owner first and allocate time to record their requirements for this new feature they desire. On the next meeting with the rollout staff I would propose this idea and see if the team members could tackle another project on parallel with the current one. The risks management for the current rollout would have to be re-assessed based on the requirements of the proposed new feature. Every team member will be working on different parts of the rollout so I presume they will have time, once they finished their part to work, on the feature if it is considered feasible within the current time schedule. Whether it is considered feasible or not, I will contact and let the business owner know.
(ID #429669) Posted on 2008/12/30 19:29
Student
I'm guessing the trainline is Shibuya only because it's the most used line in Tokyo XD You have so many figures danny :O Jezzzuussss
(ID #430048) Posted on 2008/12/31 03:41
Due to the amount of terrible college jobs I've worked, I vowed never to work in food service ever again if I could help it. Definitely not the healthiest mental working environ. However I did, like you, have some pretty hilarious and amazing times working in food service on my way into a different work bracket.
(ID #430083) Posted on 2008/12/31 04:32
I worked part-time through most of college, but it wasn't in a restaurant. I worked retail for a video game store, and although it wasn't too bad most of the time, the holiday seasons were always the worst since we'd get people yelling at us for not having things they wanted in stock or people just being outright rude to us. I honestly can say I don't miss that at all.
(ID #430104) Posted on 2008/12/31 05:14
can i becamo your neighbor!!
(ID #430215) Posted on 2008/12/31 07:25
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
I often do think of Japanese goods as being superior to other goods. It is not a hard-and-fast rule with me. Yes I did spend time busing tables and washing dishes at one time. I spent more time heading periodicals and shipping and receiving in large bookstores. I found it to be very similar to restaurants in regards to working atmosphere. Factoring in the importance of the current project and my staff. I would probably check with my project leads to access the state of project and staff mood. I would probably pull members from parts of the current project that are not necessarily need where they are now as well as, from areas of the current project that are not highly critical to it go live date. Parts that can be implemented after the current project is up and running. Usually there are staff members that have code in their blood. I would look to see if I can put them on this project as well. It usually is not stress for them to handle extra work and often very easy for them to turn something out quickly.
(ID #430216) Posted on 2008/12/31 07:26
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
I can understand the need to be picky. I have family that sometimes give gifts that are great, but eventually, you start to get too many things that not everything can stay. The time I spend to maintain some of my stuff (hobby stuff of course), which includes sorting, cleaning, and the like, usually take up a whole day at least. To set aside a whole day just for maintenance of a hobby just kinda says that you have too much, even if you don't want to admit it. I've also gotten to the point that I just give some stuff away to make space. I'm currently looking into domain names and starting a simple website. Danny, maybe you should ask those who have sites to help in giving away those extra figures. Although, giving away free figures is rather costly as shipping costs tend to add up over time...T_T For some, that cost isn't so bad. Of course, you would have to find people that are rather reliable as well (meaning they won't pocket your figures and resell/keep them). Just my thoughts. I would be willing to help, but I don't have a site as of yet.
(ID #430235) Posted on 2008/12/31 07:52
website/graphic designer
Nope, never have, I can't stand for very long as my feet start hurting. Plus noisy environments are not ideal for people with hearing problems ^^;;
(ID #430315) Posted on 2008/12/31 10:20
Systems programmer
If that Witchblade unwanted figure hasnt found a home yet, I would like to take that off your hands. Pretty please! : )
(ID #431343) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:11
Ex-Soldier / NEET
The trooper pic looks great as usual ^_^ I'm not the "Japanese brands are the best and the rest is average"-person. As you mention Samsung for example: Only choice if it comes to monitors for me for example. When it comes to cameras, Anime, figures, cars, meidos... well,... yah Japanese ones are the best rofl, just because some things have to be from the land of the rising sun. Did some cleaning and rearrangement today too. But there aren't such great unwanted-figures lying around at my place... spotting some figures I'd like to have xD
(ID #431422) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:15
Hey Danny, I have a question, im 16 and im studying the second lowest form in my country,(We call it BSO its for the not smarter kids, and that means i will earn less money then other people ), So i was wondering, everybody says Japan is an expensive country and you'll need to have a good universitiediploma(hope you understand my question my english is kinda bad :P), So i just wanna know, will it be that hard to find a job in Japan?? Btw Danny i admire your work, for making this site its been very helpfull to me, and its just dream to live there were you scored it ;) Thx for the help :)
(ID #433297) Posted on 2009/01/03 02:38
Great as always, Danny. This food sure makes me feel hungry again ^^;.
(ID #433510) Posted on 2009/01/03 07:13
The idea of making smoking glamorous is funny and so different in the UK In the UK it is very expensive...+ Tax In the UK you have to be 18 to buy them but if you look under 21 they have the right to ID you or else they refuse to sell it to you... In the UK it pretty much says you will die all over, and your kids will die, and etc... In the UK any form of advertising on smoking is banned, except ones telling you that you will die and your kids will die and etc... In the UK smoking indoors, in work cars and in all public in banned... And soon in the UK cigarettes might not be allowed to be seen on display and have to have them 'under the counter' Yet in the UK it's probably one of the highest earning products, and has lots of kids doing it too...ITS CRaZy!
(ID #433550) Posted on 2009/01/03 08:23
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
My god, I think I've spent too many solitary hours in the library, as I admit I really can't figure out a suitable answer for the interview question.
(ID #434651) Posted on 2009/01/04 07:09
Marketing & Research TI...
I got an error in the link； firefox says: --->>> At Ozaki-senseis gaf <---- Loop de redirección Firefox ha detectado que el servidor está redirigiendo el pedido para http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1663/.html en una forma que nunca se completará. El navegador ha dejado de tratar de transferir el ítem solicitado. El sitio está redirigiendo el pedido en una manera que nunca se completará. Something like -the server is redirecting the link to http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1663/.html ("infite loop") and never it will complete. Please fix it ^__^
(ID #434846) Posted on 2009/01/04 11:32
Marketing & Research TI...
PS: Ipm reading (dannychoo.com) Mirai Gaia with: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; U; Intel Mac OS X 10.5.6; es-AR; rv:1.9.0.5) Gecko/2008120121 Firefox/3.0.5 That's all!
(ID #434849) Posted on 2009/01/04 11:35
uncreative (Registered on 2008/08/16 01:50)
Fast food places can get pretty hectic, especially in America due to drive-through orders. But hey, money's money.
(ID #435835) Posted on 2009/01/05 09:38
College Student
Currently I don't have a job since Im a full time college student but I have heard that working in fast-food restaurants are horrible.
(ID #448485) Posted on 2009/01/15 10:15
I wish McDonalds would give out Pokemon Balls here. T-T
(ID #462737) Posted on 2009/01/26 14:09
unfortunatly i worked in McDees in the UK, and i absoultly hated it! i was working part-time as a college student there just for some extra money, and i only worked there as i was made redundant from my job before. If anyone is desperate for a job, try to avoid McDee's as much as possible, its a terrible experience!!
(ID #464690) Posted on 2009/01/28 01:31
Otaku, Manga-ka
Eeeeeew, banana tempura? Well, I'll try anything from Japan, don't knok it till you try it I guess! haha
(ID #507126) Posted on 2009/03/03 13:38
Yamanote. I miss you, Mos Burger~!!!!
(ID #517118) Posted on 2009/03/11 08:18
graphic designer, dog groomer
I've always avoided working in the food industry. But two of my sisters worked at McDonald's as a first job. My boyfriend was a bartender for 10 years, I agree with you that it gives you a lot of experience handling situations. Anything with busy customer service does. P.S. With all the mac help and figure giveaways your neighbors must love you!
(ID #524749) Posted on 2009/03/17 14:47
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